To commemorate and celebrate civil rights leader and icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., music scholar and artist Dr. Scot Brown has released his new single “King of Love: MLK.”
This uplifting fusion of R&B and classic soul conveys the spirit of the civil rights movement and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s message of love and community.
A Rochester native, artist, and author, Dr. Brown is also an African American Studies professor and music historian at UCLA. Currently, a visiting scholar at Colgate University, Dr. Brown has cultivated a distinct sound using the knowledge he’s gained analyzing the nuances of Black popular music–especially Funk and R&B history. On the heels of national news highlighting where change is still needed to continue Dr. King’s mission of social justice, togetherness, and change, Dr. Brown hopes to give listeners an inspirational MLK anthem.
“For this particular song, I drew inspiration from the awe I felt after hearing Dr. King’s words as a child,” explained Dr. Brown. “I felt an uplifting power in his words through his melodic preaching style – even before I could fully understand the messages and meaning.”
King of Love features a broad list of talented artists, including vocalists Kijana Crues, Alex Parris, and Funk pioneer Fred Wesley, former leader and trombonist of James Brown’s band. In addition, Dr. Brown brings his own unique sound to honor Dr. King. Wanting to capture the sensation felt when he first heard the “I Have a Dream” and “Drum Major Instinct” speeches, Dr. Brown brought in actor and MLK performer/voice-over artist Stephon Ferguson. On the track, it is Ferguson’s voice that is heard reciting passages, written by Dr. Brown, in a preaching style, reminiscent of Dr. King’s sermonizing voice. This version of “King of Love: MLK” was produced by artist and rapper O’hene Savant, who lent his multi-instrumental virtuosity to the song. Dr. Scot Brown is the executive producer, bassist, additional keyboardist [vibraphone], and songwriter (with Kalamu ya Salaam and Jerry Rescue).
“Over the years, I’ve gained an appreciation for the symmetry between Dr. King’s voice and his messages about the transformational power of love and his philosophy of social change.”
Dr. Brown believes the Civil Rights and Black Power movements were successful, in part, because they both emphasized the power of everyday people to make major changes in society.
“‘Freedom Now’, ‘We Shall Overcome,’ and ‘Power to the People,’ are all chants that express this idea,” said Dr. Brown. “As far as my own music goes, I believe that people are responding favorably to positive and empowering messages in music. With this song, I hope that listeners feel and activate their own expressions of Dr. King’s call for agape love – love for humanity.”
King of Love: MLK can be found now on digital platforms YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music.
MVP Arena in Albany ended 2022 with a record breaking net profit of $2,321,245, the most since the venue opened in 1990, then named the Knickerbocker Arena.
Greta Van Fleet, photo by Csilla Kajtar for NYS Music.
Albany County officials announced the record breaking net profits for the venue last week, with the previous record being in 2000 with a profit of $2,188,761. In 2022, MVP Arena presented 106 events with an attendance of 434,277. Some of the top acts that came to the venue include John Mayer, Journey, Korn, Slipknot, Roger Waters, Cody Johnson, My Chemical Romance, Luke Combs, Greta Van Fleet, Judas Priest, and more. Family favorite events included Disney On Ice and the Harlem Globetrotters, and for the first time ever, AEW made their Albany debut to a crowd of professional wrestling fans.
The pandemic may have knocked us down, but MVP Arena has come back stronger than ever. The proof is in the numbers as we set a new record for net operating profits since Sinatra played the first show in 1990 and after welcoming some of the biggest names in music, comedy and more to Downtown Albany this year. Additionally, we’ve now invested $43 million into arena enhancements over the last four years alone with the NCAA March Madness and other great events scheduled for 2023. In the words of the great Frank Sinatra: ‘The best is yet to come.’
Albany County Executive Daniel P.McCoy
Once COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, those from Upstate New York, Western Vermont and Massachusetts attended the venue and enjoyed a slew of events. The annual economic impact derived within the capital region from those events at MVP Arena is estimated to be over $100 million. New technology to immerse fans further into the event going experience is helping the venue be so successful and helps the Albany area as a whole, according to ASM Global Executive Vice President Doug Thornton.
For the 2023 season, the MVP Arena will be hosting a wide variety of events. Coming this year are Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band, Old Dominion, For King + Country, Zach Bryan, and Thomas Rhett with Cole Swindell. Other events include the NCAA Men’s DI Men’s Basketball 1st and 2nd Rounds, the NYSPHSAA Wrestling Championships, Jeff Dunham and Friends, Siena Saints men’s basketball, and the Albany FireWolves. For more information about the venue and to see the full schedule of events, visit here.
Iconic underground punk-blues rocker Jon Spencer is back and with him is a whole new band of misfits, The HITmakers. Making a stop at Lark Hall in Albany on January 31st, the highly entertaining and outspoken group unleashed an explosive performance that was raucous and loud and hit the Capital Region crowd over the head like a 12-ounce hammer.
Jon Spencer and the HITmakers made their Lark Hall debut on 1/31/23
First bursting on the scene in the mid-‘80s with bands like Pussy Galore and Boss Hog, Spencer found his biggest commercial success in the 1990’s as front man for The Blues Explosion. A forefather to the bass-free, fuzz-heavy garage rock revival that would spawn acts like White Stipes and The Black Keys, after 2015’s Freedom Tower album, The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion would quietly disband when guitarist Judah Bauer became too sick to go on tour.
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion took off in the 90’s with over-the-top performances like the one seen here
Now back on the road supporting his latest record, 2022’s Spencer Gets It Lit, his new band, The HITmakers, consists of Sam Coomes (Quasi, Heatmiser) on keyboards and Bob Bert (Pussy Galore, Sonic Youth) on percussion with Andy Zammit on drums. Fans hoping for a “best of the Blues Explosion” type set on this cold Tuesday night in January were shit out of luck. Taking the Lark Hall stage and promptly turning his back to the audience until the opening number “Junk Man” fully kicked in, Spencer and the HITmakers played the intimate venue as if it were an arena. Socking it to them with his signature reverbed-out grunts and growls and blistering blues guitar licks, you couldn’t help but snicker at some of the onstage antics. Even at Spencer’s age (he turns 58 on February 5th), he comes off as more believable than men half his age.
Jon Spencer rips into it at Lark Hall on 1/31/23
Working their way through songs like “Push Comes to Shove,” “Primary Baby,” and “Beatle Boots,” it was impossible not to take notice of the clanging and banging coming from percussionist Bob Bert. That’s because his unique kit was made entirely of scrap metal, trash cans and an old gas tank. Trading in drumsticks for a screwdriver and some 12-ounce hammers, “the noise, the noise, the noise” from Bert was particularly felt on “The Wilderness.”
Tools of the Trade: Bob Bert takes out the trash in Albany 1/31/23
Blasting out scuzzy rock anthems like “My Hit Parade,” “Strike 3,” and “Bruise,” keyboard player Sam Coones got way out there, shouting along and adding all kinds of otherworldly synth textures to songs like “Ghost” and “The Worst Facts,” going so far as to tell the crowd that the problem with Albany is that everyone here is too optimistic. “You think you can really do anything you want.”
Sam Coomes lights it up at Lark Hall 1/31/23
Tearing through the 75 minute set, “Love Handle” from 2018’s Spencer Sings the Hits got the crowd moving and grooving before one of the most raucous songs of the night, “Get It Right Now,” where in his charismatic preacher’s-like howl, Spencer proclaimed “Mick Jagger ain’t got nothing on me. Daryl Hall, John Oats, Billy Joel, no! Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates, Zuckerberg…NOTHING ON ME.” A darker theme then emerged with “Death Ray” followed up by “Just Wanna Die” before “Worm Town,” a song which ponders being in “a dirt nap, six feet under,” would bring the set to a close with Spencer simply putting down his guitar and walking off stage. It took a little convincing from the appreciative Lark Hall crowd, but eventually The HITmakers would return for an appropriate encore of “Trash Can.”
Time ain’t got nothing on Jon Spencer
One-man band and surf rock guitar playing virtuoso Bloodshot Bill opened the show and dazzled with his unique vocal delivery, catchy hooks and hilarious banter. At one point saying he “felt so good he could do about a million pushups,” but since he still had songs to play, he invited anyone from the audience to come up and do them for him. There was only one taker and he maxed out doing less than 10. For a crowd of less than a hundred on a cold Tuesday in Albany, it was yet another memorable night at Lark Hall. Artsy, offbeat and 100% rock n roll.
Bloodshot Bill opening up for The HITmakers on 1/31/23
Jon Spencer & the Hitmakers – January 31, 2023 | Lark Hall | Albany, NY Setlist: Junk Man, Push Comes to Shove, Primary Baby, Beetle Boots, My Hit Parade, Strike 3, Wilderness, Ghost, Bruise, The Worst Facts, Love Handle, Get It Right Now, Death Ray, Just Wanna Die, Worm Town Encore: Trash Can
Multi-instrumentalist Ben Cuomo has announced his newest solo release “Changed The Way” in collaboration with fellow producer Ben Milstein, released on February 3rd.
While listners may recognize Cuomo from NYC duo MoonTree, this is Cuomo’s first solo release.The ambient single, written while Cuomo and Milstein were improvising in a Suny Purchase practice room, is the first collaboration between the friends.
Ben Cuomo and Ben Milstein are both producers, songwriters and multi-instrumentalists attending the Conservatory of Music at SUNY Purchase. Although they have the same name they have very different musical backgrounds.
Ben Cuomo is a composer, multi instrumentalist, producer, recording engineer, mixing engineer, and overall-creative from Brooklyn who experiments with the indescribable and unorthodox sides of music. He is currently producing for multiple artists, and scoring films at Purchase.
Ben Milstein is a multi-instrumentalist and singer who has been writing music for years. Ben has performed in musicals as roles such as Curly Mclain in Roger and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!, and wrote and produced an EP titled Microchosm. His 9 song debut album will be coming out in March, featuring his first single “Hopelessly Cold” which is out now on all streaming platforms.
Ben Cuomo and Ben Milstein met at SUNY Purchase college. Both are in the music conservatory and are friends, song writers, multi instrumentalists and producers, who wanted to produce songs for each other. “Changed the Way” is their first collaboration.
Ari Joshua, John Kimock, Andy Hess, and Eden Ladin have collaborated to release supergroup vibe “Eye Just Called, To Soul, I Love You” out on January 26th. Recorded in Brooklyn, the track is raw, visceral, and tends to be refreshingly honest.
“Eye Just Called to Soul, I Love You” features bassist Andy Hess (Black Crowes, John Scofield, Gov’t Mule), drummer John Morgan Kimock (Mike Gordon Band, Oteil & Friends), internationally acclaimed piano man Eden Ladin. Lat but not least, leading the charge, guitarist Ari Joshua (Big High, Space Owl, Hathead).
“EJCTS ILU” is the debut release from this memorable & inaugural all-star session, giving us another taste from the comet of sound coming from Music Factory Records to start off the new year. The almost 7-minute improv track documents the first time this band has ever played together, period.
2022 was a productive year for Ari Joshua with 12 new releases to share. With a range from classic jazz, to experimental, to drum n bass, to jam band, to classic soul funk, to circus music, to cinematic through composed classical-like compositions, Ari’s creative flow is astonishing.
When asked about this session he shared, “These are players I really admire, I had a vision, & I spoke to John, then Andy, and then Eden, and it sort of just came into fruition. My friends from college Aaron Nevize, and John Davis actually opened up The Bunker Studio in Brooklyn as we were all graduating. It’s just lasted all these years, and I called them up trying to get a date. It’s a miracle everyone was available amongst their busy schedules, and the studio was open. I am very lucky we made it work. The stars aligned and it was a fun and easy hang. We also played some Dead tunes, Eyes of the World, and Help on The Way, but the general focus was on making something new happen.”
On all the music that is on its way, Ari remarks, “Great art is an expression of the soul, and a reflection of one’s life experience. Being a musician is also like being what I would call an ambassador of goodwill. I think great players can sense that, and it becomes a compass of making great art together. I get a lot of joy from sharing these recordings and performing, it’s transformative. It is my mission in this life to give back in any capacity possible, to explore all options, and to honor the legends that came before and what they did for me and for so many. Music is the universal language, it has healing mystical qualities, it has both saved my life, and given me purpose. I am proud of the work I have contributed to music education, and in the woodshed practicing. After a lot of just living life, it is time to shine, and share what light I can with the music.”
To listen to “Eye Just Called to Soul, I Love You,” click the link here.
Radio Woodstock 100.1 WDST has announced the next installment of the “Saturday Night Takeover” which will take place on Saturday, February 4th featuring multi-instrumentalist, producer, singer-songwriter, Cautious Clay.
Also recognized as Josh Karpeh, the Cleveland born musician has built a reputation for poetic and emotionally honest music. Clay draws from R&B, hip hop, and left field indie pop to produce sophisticated songwriting, soulful singing, and a cinematic sound. He’s experienced a tremendous amount of success following his three-year-old breakout debut single “Cold War”.
His songs have soundtracked key scenes in films like Olivia Wilde’s Booksmart and TV shows like Issa Rae’s Insecure. He’s written songs with John Legend and John Mayer, while also releasing music that’s been used by Taylor Swift. Clay’s single, “Cheesin” includes Remi Wolf, Still Woozy, Sophie Meiers, Claud, Melanie Faye, and HXNS. His latest album, Deadpan Love, is an album about balance. The balance between others and oneself, between intransigence and compromise, and between sarcasm and sincerity.
“Woodstock is one of my favorite places to visit, and I have been extremely grateful for Radio Woodstock’s support of my music. When they asked me to be a part of their Saturday Takeover Series, I was excited to share a broad spectrum of some of my favorite songs, new and old”!
– Cautious Clay
“Saturday Night Takeover” symbolizes Radio Woodstock’s independent music voice. Since 1980, Radio Woodstock has premiered new music and pioneered a unique music line-up with a combination of new artists, legendary musicians, and special music programming. Radio Woodstock’s curatorial programmers and DJs are recognized experts in their field.
Prepare yourself for “Saturday Night Takeover” as Cautious Clay takes over the airwaves. The show begins Saturday, February 4th, from 10 pm to 11 pm on-air at 100.1. You can also listen here or via the iHeartRADIO app.
Singer-songwriter Robin Eaton just released his newest single inspired by late 70s New York, “Drugs R 4 Kids.” This song is the first single for Eaton’s upcoming album, Memories of A Misspent Youth, due for release on May 1st.
As he reflects on his past foibles with “Drugs R 4 Kids”, Robin Eaton re-centers himself. The song manages to capture the playful, sardonic humor of darker Americana while retaining the glamour of retro rock.
Back in the 70s, Robin Eaton was performing with local favorites The Leisure Units in New York. The memories of their shared loft and their parties have stuck with him throughout the years. Eaton recalls these volatile drugs fueled these times.
When discussing the inspiration and back story behind “Drugs R 4 Kids”, Eaton writes: “All of the fights and the parties, it was all just regular Leisure Units stuff. Back in 1979, I had recently returned to NYC after making a songwriter album for Warner Brothers in Paris. When I came back to New York and joined the Leisure Units, there was lots of cocaine and heroin floating around the city. It was fun but didn’t bode well for the success of our project. Everybody was on edge all the time. Clive Davis was the first of many to pass on signing our band. Unfortunately, all the members of the Leisure Units have since passed, with me being the sole survivor of the group.”
As a prolific songwriter and producer, Robin Eaton is reintroducing himself as a performing artist. In the past, he was also in the original Broadway production of Hair. Aside from his personal music, Robin Eaton is also a respected composer.
Listen to “Drugs R 4 Kids” by clicking the link here.
For more information on Robin Eaton, click the link here for his website.
Baritone saxophonist Gary Smulyan from Bethpage, New York is a gifted multi-instrumentalist whose music career began on the alto saxophone in his teen years on Long Island. Today, Smulyan is critically acclaimed and recognized as the major voice on the baritone saxophone. Smulyan is known for his aggressive rhythmic sense, his intelligent and creative harmonic approach and a strong and incisive wit.
While still in high school, he had the chance to sit in with major jazz artists such as legendary trumpeter Chet Baker, saxophonist Lee Konitz, trombonist Jimmy Knepper and violinist Ray Nance. He studied at Hofstra University before working with Woody Herman and leads a trio with bassist Ray Drummond and drummer Kenny Washington.
Gary Smulyan is a multiple winner of the DownBeat Critic’s and Reader’s Polls and numerous other official polls, including the Jazz Journalists Award for Baritone Saxophonist of the Year. He is a six-time Grammy Award winner for his work with B.B. King, Lovano, Holland, and the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra.
Smulyan has recorded and performed worldwide with Freddie Hubbard, Dizzy Gillespie, Stan Getz, Ray Charles, B.B. King, Tom Harrell. Cedar Walton, George Coleman, Joe Henderson, Joe Lovano, Tommy Flanagan, Chick Corea, Diana Ross, Clark Terry, Kenny Wheeler, Charles McPherson, James Moody and Slide Hampton, among others.
Rob Smittix from Xperience Monthly spoke with Smulyan on a range of topics
Rob Smittix: Where are you based out of?
Gary Smulyan: I live in Yonkers, New York. Just north of New York City.
RS: Oh yeah New York City’s hat, I’m familiar, it’s like the extra piece of the Bronx.
GS: Yeah, we’re just north of Riverdale which isn’t very far, just near the Bronx border.
Every time I come up to Troy, the pressure is on because that’s Nick Brignola’s home territory. Bring your best game every time you play in Troy because the spirit of Nick Brignola is hovering all over the place up there.
RS: That’s right!
GS: It’s an inspiring place to play.
RS: And Troy is really up and coming, a lot is starting to happen there.
GS: A lot of it is Joe Barna too. Joe’s the real deal. He creates things and makes music happen. He finds places to play, he finds musicians to play with, he creates venues, he creates opportunities for musicians, both who live there and from out of town. Joe is making it happen. I tip my hat off to him for all of the hard work that he’s doing.
RS: Oh, absolutely. We have an award show called the “Listen Up Awards” and Joe actually won that and he had a fantastic speech. Ever since that I’ve really been in Joe’s corner for sure.
GS: So, what was that award for?
RS: He won the favorite jazz musician award for the region.
GS: Okay, that’s well deserved.
RS: It was favorite too, it wasn’t the best, so it shows that people like him.
GS: Well, you know I think a big part of it is that Joe is providing places for people to hang out and listen to music. Especially now, I think it’s incredibly important. After COVID happened, people are getting more comfortable with going out now and they’re getting excited about hearing live music, supporting live music and being able to get out of the house. To have venues like what Joe is doing, I think is really appreciated by the public. They’re really glad that he’s doing it and they’re very happy to support it and get out for a night and hear some music.
RS: What’s really cool too is that he’s leading the jazz scene, but the goal is to link various genre scenes together here. It’s something that hasn’t been done in a really long time.
GS: So, what do you mean like clubs are supporting each other?
RS: Yeah finally. People are starting to get out of their little groups and are starting to get out and support each other. There’s still a lot of work to do and we’re starting to see a difference.
GS: That’s important, everyone’s successful if you do that.
RS: Yeah, we’re finally scratching the surface.
GS: Wow that’s great news. To be so separated and protective of your little scene, doesn’t really help the scene as a whole.
RS: I’ve been saying it for years.
GS: No. I agree with that. Especially in a place like Troy, you know? Because it’s not New York City, it’s a smaller scene, so you really have to do that to ensure the success of everybody. It’s not just about one place or two places, it’s about everybody being successful and the only way to do that is to support everybody. It’s important, man. So, for me because I haven’t been to this new venue yet. I’ve played in the region quite a few times, so to discover a new place and to see how people come out and react and support; I’m excited about seeing what it is and what the scene is going to turn into. I hope it really is successful.
RS: I don’t know if you actually change this on your ID or your passport but how long has it been since your first name became Grammy-Winner?
GS: I don’t know, I don’t think of myself like that. I’m just trying to play music and get better, I don’t know. I’ve been fortunate enough to be a part of a number of projects that have won Grammys. It’s been an honor and a thrill but I don’t focus a lot on that honestly. The bottom line is that it’s the work that’s important right? So, Grammy winner, the thing is other people do that I don’t add that, when I talk about myself. I’m happy other people do it and maybe it helps sell a few tickets or something, but I don’t think of myself in that way.
RS: It’s like when I’d bring somebody to town and you never would’ve known they used to be in such and such a band, so you throw it on the flier and it helps put butts in the seats.
GS: Oh yeah, of course, from an advertising point of view you have to do that.
RS: Right.
GS: I actually don’t talk about myself like that at all. I’m just happy to have been a part of these projects over the years. I’ve been really fortunate and in the right place at the right time and I’ve been really fortunate to have played on these beautiful records.
RS: That’s the thing, it’s really about the music and the end product. I’m just really feeling bad for the kids these days. When I say kids I mean the generation that never knew the world without the internet.
GS: Yeah, I think about that all of the time. With cellphones and computers and not really having the opportunity to go record hunting. There are so many distractions today that take young people away from the essence of trying to learn music. I agree with you. I think it’s very hard and also the opportunity to go play. I was with Woody Herman’s band when I was 22. I left school and went on the road for two years and that’s where I really honed my craft. Those big bands that toured all of time, it’s kind of over. On the flip side though, young musicians are really learning to use social media to further their careers, which is something that I’m not very good at. I’m an old guy, I’m 66 and I find that very challenging. The world is shifting from going on the road to posting a video of you playing something and having people look at it and that’s how you get hired now. That’s the platform where young people are getting gigs now. It’s fascinating to me but it’s a world that I find mystifying, I don’t have my head wrapped around it yet. You know? Putting up a video and seeing how many hits you get and all of that. But some young musicians really have that down, really get it and use it in a positive way to further their careers. Whether they’re teaching, performing or both, that’s where the scene is going now.
Jazz pianist, bandleader and composer Isaiah J. Thompson has dropped his new lead single “The IT Department” from his upcoming debut album.
Hailed as “a young musician and composer with a mature touch and rare combination of talent, creativity, humility and honesty” by NPR, pianist Isaiah J. Thompson is an emerging generational talent. This March 17th, his first live album—The Power of the Spirit—will be released digitally and as a CD on Jazz at Lincoln Center’s in-house record label, Blue Engine.
The lead single “The IT Department” is a play on his initials, but also a tribute to Isaiah’s father.
I don’t come from a particularly musical family, but they have always supported me. When someone would ask my parents if they had been involved in my musical education, my father would respond by saying, ‘music is his department’.
Isaiah J. Thompson
The mission of Jazz at Lincoln Center is to entertain, enrich, and expand a global community for jazz through performance, education, and advocacy. Captured in front of a rapturous audience at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Dizzy’s Club, The Power of the Spirit finds Thompson’s seasoned quartet delivering a locked-in performance of their repertoire. On full display are the pianist’s stunning dexterity and soulful original material; combining crisp technicality with a gospel-inflected sound, Thompson nods to forebears like Bobby Timmons, Phineas Newborn Jr., and Cedar Walton while blazing a trail of his own.
Thompson has played with legends including Wynton Marsalis, Christian McBride, Steve Turre, John Pizzarelli, and Buster Williams. He’s had his own NPR Tiny Desk concert, been a part of Jazz Night in America’s Youngblood series, and been a special guest on the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra’s Handful of Keys.
On Saturday, January 28, the Binghamton Philharmonic celebrated its first “Wallenberg Festival,” a concert of Binghamton’s three orchestras: the Binghamton Community Orchestra (Evan Mecarello, dir.), the Binghamton Youth Symphony (Barry Peters), and the Binghamton Philharmonic (Daniel Hege).
The program was named after Fritz and Marianne Wallenberg, the founders of the Binghamton Symphony in 1955. In his remarks to the audience, Executive Director Paul Cienniwa explained that, while the Wallenbergs did not directly create today’s three orchestras, they were instrumental in sparking substantial interest within a relatively small community.
Each orchestra performed a short set of familiar works. Many of the crowd-pleasers, from von Suppè’s Poet and Peasant to a Brahms Hungarian Dance, are not heard too often these days, and these works were an excellent introduction to the orchestra for many of the concert’s young attendees. “Wallenberg Festival” concluded with a side-by-side performance of the Youth Symphony and the Philharmonic, first playing Rimsky-Korsakov’s Procession of the Nobles under Peters, and then Tchaikovsky’s Marche Slave under Hege.
As expected in a concert of one professional and two amateur orchestras, the playing was mixed. The enthusiasm was not, however–especially during the side-by-side. Even more so, the large audience showed again and again its love for Binghamton and its uncommon tradition.
Coming up this month, on Thursday, February 16 at 6:00 pm, the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra will present its 8th Annual Mac & Cheese Fest Fundraiser at the Holiday Inn Downtown in Binghamton. Guests should get ready for some cheesy goodness at this all-you-can-eat Mac & Cheese event featuring over sixteen local restaurants. Local chefs will compete for best Mac & Cheese while host Chelsea Cheddar (the Mayor of Macaroni) presides with cheesy proclamations as musicians of the Philharmonic play lively fanfares. Patrons and celebrity judges will determine which restaurant wins the Best Mac & Cheese title for 2023, along with other culinary awards. Tickets are just $25 to support the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra. For tickets and more information, contact the Binghamton Philharmonic box office at 607-723-3931 or visit www.bingmacfest.com.
